The title, theme and overall tone of Lainey Wilson's "Watermelon Moonshine" has garnered positive comparisons to "Strawberry Wine," a 1996 country standard by Deana Carter, since the former's 2022 release and its May selection as a radio single.
Wilson embraced such complements back on July 7 with an a cappella mashup of both songs that she posted on TikTok. The Yellowstone star and her pup Hippie caught the attention of not just fans but Carter herself, who responded on the social media platform 10 days later with her own rendition of Wilson's musical concoction.
"SO proud of my girl [Wilson] and per request I am returning the [song swap] with all the love in my heart!," Carter wrote in the caption, who adds in the video that Wilson's "knocking it out of the park" as a country singer-songwriter.
In a third video posted by Wilson on July 25, she shared her giddy reaction to the dream-come-true affirmation.
@laineywilson #duet with @DeanaCarterOfficial #songswap #watermelonmoonshine #songofthesummer ❤️?
"Thank you for your influence, you the queen," Wilson said in her response video for someone she considers a "soul sister." "Beautiful inside and out. That is Deana Carter for you right there, y'all. One of the most beautiful people I have ever met. Loves people, loves the Lord."
Wilson co-wrote "Watermelon Moonshine" with Josh Kear and Jordan Schmidt. The Top 20 radio hit's music video was directed by Alexa King Stone and Stephen Kinigopoulos. It shows the blossoming of young love in a way that suits not just it but the Carter classic.
A sentimental ballad co-written by Matraca Berg and Gary Harrison, "Strawberry Wine" topped the country charts. The Grammy-nominated tune won Song of the Year from the Country Music Association (CMA) and Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI).
